Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Elise Irwin, PhD

Biologist - Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit Headquarters

Research Interests

Elise currently leads the CRU communications team. Previously, Elise led a broad research program at Auburn University in fisheries ecology with emphasis on reduction of uncertainty regarding how anthropomorphic changes in riverine and other aquatic environments affect biological processes of aquatic species. Thematically her research has primarily investigated how management, landscape patterns and disturbance regimes affect biological processes in aquatic systems, with two main areas of focus: 1) effects of spatial and temporal arrangement of riverine habitat on population parameters of fishes and, 2) definition and reduction of uncertainty regarding functional relations between hydrologic and chemical characteristics of riverine environments and fish distribution, abundance and/or growth of fish and invertebrates.

Teaching Interests

Before leading the CRU communications team, Elise taught courses on river systems, structured decision making, and adaptive management at Auburn University and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Conservation Training Center in Sheperdstown, West Virginia. 

 

Professional Experience

  • Biologist, Cooperative Research Units Program Headquarters, 2021-

  • Assistant Unit Leader, Alabama Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, 1995-2021

Education and Certifications

  • Ph D North Carolina State University 1994

  • MS Tennessee Technological University 1989

  • BS Delaware State College 1987

Science and Products

Bombus on purple salvia

USGS at the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show

USGS returns to the Philadelphia Flower Show with an exhibit featuring bees, butterflies, birds and blooms. Visit our booth at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from March 1 to 9, 2025.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units, Eastern Ecological Science Center
USGS at the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show

USGS at the 2025 Philadelphia Flower Show

USGS returns to the Philadelphia Flower Show with an exhibit featuring bees, butterflies, birds and blooms. Visit our booth at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from March 1 to 9, 2025.
Learn More
Alabama Barrier Island Restoration Assessment-Dauphin Workflow

Alabama Barrier Island Restoration Assessment

This project is a collaborative effort between the USGS, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the State of Alabama funded by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to investigate viable, sustainable restoration options that protect and restore the natural resources of Dauphin Island, Alabama. The project is focused on restoration options that protect and restore habitat and living...
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Natural Hazards Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Gulf of America
Alabama Barrier Island Restoration Assessment

Alabama Barrier Island Restoration Assessment

This project is a collaborative effort between the USGS, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and the State of Alabama funded by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to investigate viable, sustainable restoration options that protect and restore the natural resources of Dauphin Island, Alabama. The project is focused on restoration options that protect and restore habitat and living...
Learn More
Cape Lookout National Seashore

Protecting Cultural Resources in the Face of Climate Change

Climate change doesn’t just threaten our natural resources—it threatens our cultural resources, too. Cultural resources represent evidence of past human activity, such as archeological sites, or are of significance to a group of people traditionally associated with the resource, such as Native American ceremonial sites. Climate change is challenging the long-term persistence of many...
By
Climate Adaptation Science Centers
Protecting Cultural Resources in the Face of Climate Change

Protecting Cultural Resources in the Face of Climate Change

Climate change doesn’t just threaten our natural resources—it threatens our cultural resources, too. Cultural resources represent evidence of past human activity, such as archeological sites, or are of significance to a group of people traditionally associated with the resource, such as Native American ceremonial sites. Climate change is challenging the long-term persistence of many cultural res
Learn More

Data from: Decision science for management of coastal ecosystems Data from: Decision science for management of coastal ecosystems

Coastal management decisions are complex and include challenging tradeoffs. Decision science offers a useful framework to address such complex problems. We illustrate the process with several coastal restoration studies. Our capstone example is based on a recent barrier island restoration assessment project at Dauphin Island, Alabama, which included the development of geomorphological...
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Gulf of America

Arsenic in stream sediments of northern Alabama Arsenic in stream sediments of northern Alabama

OVERVIEW OF ARSENIC IN STREAM SEDIMENTS The overall range of arsenic in the NURE stream sediments was from 0.3 to 44 mg/kg sediment (ppm) As in the sample data set. The mean value was 4.3 ppm with a standard deviation of 4.1 ppm. For comparison, the crustal abundance of arsenic is 1.8 ppm (Taylor, 1964). Shale is higher, with average values of 15 ppm. Coal samples from the entire USGS...
Filter Total Items: 31

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2023 Year-in-Review Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2023 Year-in-Review

Introduction Established in 1935, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program is a unique cooperative partnership among State fish and wildlife agencies, host universities, the Wildlife Management Institute, USGS, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Designed to meet the scientific needs of natural resource management agencies and to produce...
Authors
Elise R. Irwin, Caroline E. Murphy, Dawn E. Childs, Donald E. Dennerline, Jonathan R. Mawdsley
By
Ecosystems Mission Area

U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Research Units program U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Research Units program

This fact sheet provides a 10-year overview of the U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Research Units program. It highlights long term accomplishments for the program's mission of applied research, graduate education and technical assistance to the partners.
Authors
Elise R. Irwin, Tess M. McConnell, Donald E. Dennerline, Kevin L. Pope, Jonathan R. Mawdsley
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units

U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Research Units Program—A hawk’s view of 2024 U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Research Units Program—A hawk’s view of 2024

Introduction The U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (USGS CRU) program was established in 1935 and codified by Congress in 1960 to enhance graduate education in wildlife and fisheries sciences and to facilitate research and technical assistance among natural resource agencies and universities on fisheries and wildlife management topics of mutual concern...
Authors
Elise R. Irwin, Tess M. McConnell, Donald E. Dennerline, Kevin L. Pope, Jonathan R. Mawdsley
By
Ecosystems Mission Area

The use of conceptual ecological models to identify critical data and uncertainties to support numerical modeling: The northern Gulf of Mexico eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica example The use of conceptual ecological models to identify critical data and uncertainties to support numerical modeling: The northern Gulf of Mexico eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica example

ObjectiveIncreasing reliance on numerical simulation models to help inform management and restoration choices benefits from careful consideration of critical early steps in model development. Along the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico, the eastern oyster Crassostrea virginica fulfills important ecological and economic roles. Using the eastern oyster as an example, we draw on several...
Authors
Megan K. La Peyre, Shaye Sable, Danielle A. Marshall, Elise R. Irwin, Chad W. Hanson
By
Cooperative Research Units

At-a-Glance—Summary of the 2023 U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Research Units Program Year-in-Review At-a-Glance—Summary of the 2023 U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Research Units Program Year-in-Review

IntroductionEstablished in 1935, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units (CRU) program is a unique partnership among the USGS, State Fish and Wildlife agencies, host universities, the Wildlife Management Institute (WMI), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). As of 2023, there are 43 CRUs in 41 states that fall under three supervisory regions...
Authors
Caroline E. Murphy, Elise R. Irwin, Dawn E. Childs, Donald E. Dennerline, Jonathan R. Mawdsley
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units

Pollinator conservation and climate science at the U.S. Geological Survey Pollinator conservation and climate science at the U.S. Geological Survey

Introduction Ecosystems—whether agricultural, urban, or natural—depend on pollinators, great and small. Pollinators in the form of bees, birds, butterflies, bats, and even moths provide vital, but often invisible services, from contributing to biodiverse terrestrial wildlife and plant communities to supporting healthy watersheds. Pollinator declines worldwide have been noted as land-use...
Authors
Elise R. Irwin, Jonathan R. Mawdsley
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Cooperative Research Units, Alaska Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center

The bee lab The bee lab

Introduction The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Bee Lab is a collaborative interagency joint venture and international leader for bee (Hymenoptera: Apoidea) identification, survey design, quantification of bee and plant interrelations, and development and maintenance of occurrence databases. Each of these objectives supports native bee conservation by providing critical data and tools for...
Authors
Sam Droege, Elise R. Irwin, Jenn Malpass, Jonathan R. Mawdsley
By
Cooperative Research Units, Eastern Ecological Science Center

Decision science as a framework for combining geomorphological and ecological modeling for the management of coastal systems Decision science as a framework for combining geomorphological and ecological modeling for the management of coastal systems

The loss of ecosystem services due to climate change and coastal development is projected to have significant impacts on local economies and conservation of natural resources. Consequently, there has been an increase in coastal management activities such as living shorelines, oyster reef restoration, marsh restoration, beach and dune nourishment, and revegetation projects. Coastal...
Authors
Julien Martin, Matthew S. Richardson, Davina Passeri, Nicholas Enwright, Simeon Yurek, James Flocks, Mitchell Eaton, Sara Zeigler, Hadi Charkhgard, Bradley James Udell, Elise R. Irwin
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Cooperative Research Units, Eastern Ecological Science Center, St. Petersburg Coastal and Marine Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Gulf of America

A review of lethal thermal tolerance among freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) within the North American faunal region A review of lethal thermal tolerance among freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionida) within the North American faunal region

Freshwater mussels of the order Unionida are currently one of the most imperiled groups of organisms in the North American faunal region. Accurate risk assessments and development of effective management strategies for remaining populations require knowledge of thermal limits in the face of increasing surface water temperature due to climate change and various anthropogenic factors. We...
Authors
Kaelyn J. Fogelman, Jennifer M. Archambault, Elise R. Irwin, Maureen Walsh, Shannon K. Brewer, James A. Stoeckel
By
Cooperative Research Units

Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2022 year in review Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Units Program—2022 year in review

Established in 1935, the CRU program is a unique cooperative partnership among State Fish and Wildlife agencies, host universities, Wildlife Management Institute, U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Designed to meet the scientific needs of natural resource management agencies and to produce trained wildlife management professionals, the program has grown from...
Authors
Elise R. Irwin, Donald E. Dennerline, J. Barry Grand, Jonathan R. Mawdsley
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units

Thermal performance of the electron transport system Complex III in seven Alabama fishes Thermal performance of the electron transport system Complex III in seven Alabama fishes

Management of fish populations for conservation in thermally variable systems requires an understanding of the fish's underlying physiology and responses to thermal stress. Physiological research at the organismal level provides information on the overall effects of stressors such as extreme temperature fluctuations. While experiments with whole organisms provide information as to the...
Authors
Lindsay Horne, Dennis DeVries, Russell Wright, Elise R. Irwin, Benjamin Staton, Hisham Abdelrahman, James Stoeckel
By
Cooperative Research Units

Identifying monitoring information needs that support the management of fish in large rivers Identifying monitoring information needs that support the management of fish in large rivers

Management actions intended to benefit fish in large rivers can directly or indirectly affect multiple ecosystem components. Without consideration of the effects of management on non-target ecosystem components, unintended consequences may limit management efficacy. Monitoring can help clarify the effects of management actions, including on non-target ecosystem components, but only if...
Authors
Timothy D. Counihan, Kristen L. Bouska, Shannon K. Brewer, R. B. Jacobson, Andrew F. Casper, Colin G. Chapman, Ian R. Waite, Kenneth R. Sheehan, Mark Pyron, Elise R. Irwin, Karen Riva-Murray, Alexa McKerrow, Jennifer M. Bayer
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Water Resources Mission Area, Cooperative Research Units, Species Management Research Program, New York Water Science Center, Oregon Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Western Fisheries Research Center, Columbia River Research Laboratory (CRRL)

Non-USGS Publications**

Irwin, E.R. and T.P. Goar. 2015. Spatial and temporal variation in recruitment and growth of Channel Catfish Alabama bass and Tallapoosa Bass in the Tallapoosa River and associated tributaries. U.S. Department of Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, Cooperator Science Series FWS/CSS -116, Washington, D.C.
Irwin, E. R. Defining Ecological and Economical Hydropower Operations: a Framework for Managing Dam Releases to Meet Multiple Conflicting Objectives. Journal of Energy Challenges and Mechanics 1 (3): Article 5.
Mitchell, M. S., J. A. Gude, N. Anderson, J. Ramsey, M. Thompson, M. Sullivan, V. Edwards, C. Gower, J. F. Cochrane, E. Irwin, and T. Walshe. 2013. Using structured decision making to manage disease risk for Montana wildlife. Wildlife Society Bulletin 37:107-114.
Olive, J.A., H.L. Schramm, Jr., P.D. Gerard, E. Irwin. 2011. An evaluation of agreement between pectoral spines and otoliths for estimating ages of catfishes. American Fisheries Society Symposium 77:679-688.
Martin, B. M. and E. R. Irwin. 2011. A Digital Underwater Video Camera System for Aquatic Research. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 30:1365-1369
Irwin, E. R. and K. D. M. Kennedy. 2009. Engaging stakeholders for adaptive management using structured decision analysis. Proceedings of the Third Conference on Research in the Watersheds.
Hayer, C-A., and E. R. Irwin. Influence of gravel mining and other factors on detection probabilities of Coastal Plain Fishes in the Mobile River Basin, Alabama. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society.
Population Demographics of Hiodon tergisus (Mooneye) in the Lower Tallapoosa River. Southeastern Naturalist 6:461-470.
Peterson, J., C. Moore, S. Wenger, K. Kennedy, E. Irwin, and M. Freeman. 2007. Adaptive management applied to aquatic natural resources. Chapter 6.4 in Proceedings of the 2007 Georgia Water Resources Conference, March 27-29, Athens.
Jeff Boxrucker & Elise Irwin (2002) Challenges of Crappie Management Continuing into the 21st Century, North American Journal of Fisheries Management, 22:4, 1334-1339, DOI: 10.1577/1548-8675(2002)022<1334:COCMCI>2.0.CO;2
Buckmeier, D. L., E. R. Irwin, R. K. Betsill and J. A. Prentice. 2002. Validity of otoliths and pectoral spines for estimating ages of channel catfish. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 22:934-942.
Irwin, E. R., and M. C. Freeman. 2002. A proposal for adaptive maqnagement to conserve biotic integrity in a regulated segment of the Tallapoosa River, Alabama (U. S. A. ). Conservation Biology 16:1212-1222
Ferrara, A. M., and E. R. Irwin. 2001. A standardized procedure for internal sex identification in Lepisostidae. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 21:530-535.
Freeman, M. C., Z. Bowen, K. Bovee and E. Irwin. 2001. Flow and habitat effects on juvenile fish abundance in natural and altered flow regimes. Ecological Applications 2001:179-190.
Henry, T. B., E. R. Irwin, J. M. Grizzle, W. G. Brumbaugh and M. L. Wildhaber. 2001. Gill lesions and death of bluegill in an acid mine drainage mixing zone. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 20:1304-1311.
Buckmeier, D. L., and E. R. Irwin. 2000. An evaluation of soft visual implant tag retention and anchor tag retention in channel catfish. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 20:296-299.

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

Science and Products

Was this page helpful?